Practice question
Question
Type I interferons (IFN-α/β) primarily induce
Explanation
Type-I interferons (IFN-α and IFN-β) are rapidly induced during viral infection and act in both autocrine and paracrine fashion. Binding to the IFNAR receptor activates STAT1/STAT2 and IRF9, which induce hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes that establish an antiviral state, inhibit viral replication and enhance antigen presentation. This response is a cornerstone of innate antiviral immunity.